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Jean (Jeanne) Arlyss Zimmerman, October 14, 1931 - June 16, 2024

Jean Carlson was born on October 14, 1931 in Slayton, MN to Martin and Gladys (Thompson) Carlson. She was baptized, and confirmed her faith at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lake Wilson, MN. She attended a small country school near her home in Cameron Twp. and graduated with the Lake Wilson Class of 1949. She felt privileged to attend Waldorf College in Forest City, IA.

Jean spoke fondly of growing up on the farm of her grandparents who lived with her family up until she was 15 years old. Many aunts, uncles and cousins lived nearby and were a very significant part of her social life. She felt strongly about keeping up ties with them throughout her life even though she would find herself living quite far away at times.

On September 27, 1950 she married Lloyd Edwards and they began their life together on a farm near Revere, MN. Soon they were blessed with two children, Bruce and Vicki. 

In 1959, they quit farming and found themselves heading west, living for short periods in North Dakota and Montana, and finally making roots in Chico, CA between 1962-1972. These were great years raising their children, but once they were grown, Jean and Lloyd decided to move back to MN to be closer to the extended family again.

In 1980, Jean (Jeanne) was married to Gene Zimmerman, and for 21 years they lived in Lindstrom, MN. The two of them were very active in their church, loved gardening together, traveling the world, and entertaining many, many friends and family at their lake homes. In 2001, they decided to move to Chico, CA where their son Bruce and his wife Mary lived.

Jeanne was an active member in her church throughout her life, volunteering in a large variety of roles, from teaching Sunday School to Women’s Service groups. She was a real “people person”, immensely enjoying arranging game parties, and always ready to welcome a new friend. Hospitality was truly a gift of God which she shared with many. Jean passed away peacefully on June 16, 2024 at age 92.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Gladys Carlson; her brother Lyle Carlson; sisters Shirley Suedkamp, Audrey Voss; and brother-in-law Gerald Voss.

Jean is survived by her son Bruce Edwards (Mary) of Chico, CA; daughter Vicki Doeden of Chico, CA; stepson Alan Zimmerman (Chris) of Bonita Springs, FL; daughter-in-law Bev Zimmerman of Florence, AZ; four grandchildren, Shelley Zimmerman Roppe (Baard), Aaron Doeden (Terri), Blake Doeden (Anna), and Rachel Lindberg (Matt); eight great-grandchildren; her sibling Darrell Carlson (Sheila); as well as many beloved nephews, nieces, cousins, brother and sister-in law, and friends.

A memorial service was held Wednesday, August 28 at 11 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Chico, CA. Condolences can be mailed to Faith Lutheran Church, 667 E 1st Ave, Chico, CA 95926.

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